The Most Popular 4th of July Dish in Every U.S. State

There’s no mistaking the smell. When Iowa sweet corn hits the grill on the 4th of July, it perfumes the entire county with a scent that screams summer. Boiled, grilled, or roasted in the husk over an open flame, the corn is slathered in butter and sometimes dusted with salt, pepper, or even parmesan.

This tradition is rooted in the state’s deep agricultural heritage and the fact that peak corn season consistently coincides with Independence Day. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it feeds a crowd. And when it’s done right, it doesn’t even need a plate—just hands.